Yaron Finzi Ph.D
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adssc.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/\u05d9\u05e8\u05d5\u05df300-245.jpg\")
<\/h1>\nResearch Area:<\/h4>\n\nGeology –\u00a0Earth Sciences<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/adssc.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/email.png\")
yaron.finzi@adssc.org<\/a>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/adssc.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/googlescholar.png\")
\u00a0Google Scholar<\/a>
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/adssc.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/researchgate.png\")
\u00a0Research Gate<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Geology has a vast impact on society! \u00a0My research addresses both geologic risks and benefits to mankind.<\/p>\n
In the field of seismic hazard, I focus on analysis of Precariously Balanced Rocks (PBR) and the information they yield regarding regional fault activity and the magnitude of past earthquakes. I also modeled dynamic rupture propagation and stress transfer along complex fault systems. My seismic risk studies range from community preparedness and resilience to evaluation of local damage and cost of scenario events. High-resolution mapping of risk and preparedness were used to inform local authorities and improve emergency plans.<\/p>\n
In the field of geomorphology and geologic risks, I have formed a GIS based regional model of cliff retreat in the Negev, Israel. The model accounts for various structural properties and runoff-basin analysis, and it may serve as a basic input for cliff stability evaluations.<\/p>\n
In the emerging fields of geodiversity, geosystem-services, geoheritage and geo-ethics, I have examined the various interactions between local communities, national authorities and the unique and extraordinary landscape of the Negev Craterland, Israel. My research has motivated me to develop and oversee many outreach programs and collaborations with local stakeholders, and to lead a community effort to establish the Craterland Geopark in the Negev desert.<\/p>\n
Current research:<\/h3>\n\n\n1. Stability analysis of fragile rock pillars and insights on fault activity <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nRock pillars and precariously balanced rocks in the Negev, Israel, are used to re-evaluate the maximum seismic ground shaking that could have occurred during their life-span. We documented dozens of fragile geologic features which formed thousands of years ago and have withstood many regional earthquakes. Extensive fieldwork and analysis provided new constraints on the long-term seismic activity of several faults in the Negev and along the southern Dead Sea Transform. Slender rock pillars were shown to have natural frequencies within the range of seismic waves, making them very sensitive to resonance motion induced by large distant earthquakes. Expanding our study area can help resolve fundamental knowledge gaps regarding the magnitude of ancient earthquakes, and can improve regional and site-specific seismic hazard analyses in Israel and Jordan.<\/span><\/p>\nLatest publication: Finzi et al., 2020; <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2019JB019269<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adssc.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/\u05d9\u05e8\u05d5\u05df-\u05de\u05d7\u05e7\u05e8.png\")
Figure 1: Fragile Geologic Features of the Negev.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n2. Mapping local seismic risk and preparedness to improve community resilience and emergency planning <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nIn my work to improve resilience and local emergency plans in remote communities, my colleagues and I developed an online risk and preparedness assessment tool that promotes public engagement and enables mapping of resilience at the neighborhood scale. Accounting for spatial and temporal stressors, the analysis tool helps emergency authorities to identify potential challenges in emergency response and recovery. <\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adssc.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/MMI-PRE-Ramon-2021a-1024x563.jpg\")
Figure 2: Map of expected intensity (MMI) and preparedness (PRE) in the various neighborhoods of Mitzpe Ramon, Israel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n3. Geodiversity, geosystem services and geo-ethical issues in the Negev Craterland Geopark<\/strong><\/p>\nThe geologic heritage and geosites of the erosional craters of the Craterland were described and explained. A scenic evaluation procedure was developed assess the cultural services of geology-dominant regions and was used to compare craters from all over the world. Ongoing research is focused on geopark development strategies, geosystem-services in the Negev Craterland which is a desert dominated by geological phenomena and the Ethical dilemmas of nature conservation. Within the context of geopark establishment in a remote desert community, I am examining the perceived value of cultural services and knowledge services and the balance between the needs of local communities and national nature conservation policies. As head of both the local research institute and the geopark initiative, I develop and oversee many outreach programs of outdoor education, community engagement, recreation and tourism.<\/p>\n
Main publication: https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12371-018-0335-7<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adssc.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/\u05e9\u05e8\u05d5\u05ea\u05d9-\u05de\u05e2\u05e8\u05db\u05ea-\u05d5\u05d2\u05d9\u05d0\u05d5\u05d0\u05ea\u05d9\u05e7\u05d4-\u05d1\u05d2\u05d9\u05d0\u05d5\u05e4\u05d0\u05e8\u05e7-1024x768.jpg\")
Figure 3: 3D diagram of the main geo-ecosystem services provided to Mitzpe Ramon, Israel and to visitors of Makhtesh Ramon erosional crater.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n4. Assessment of economic loss due to plausible tsunami scenarios in Eilat and Aqaba <\/strong><\/p>\nUsing detailed mapping of inundation associated with tsunami scenarios, and accounting for development and land use along the coast of the Aqaba Gulf, we estimate immediate damage and long-term economic loss to select sites in Israel and Jordan.<\/p>\n
5. Cliff retreat rates and stability analysis –\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nA regional cliff retreat model is being developed and being improved to include structural, geomorphic and basin properties to account for the effect of runoff over mesa-like cliffs. The original model we built utilizes DEM and spatial geologic data to calculate retreat rate based on the width and inclination of the cliff forming layer and the scarp-talus geometrical relations (i.e. exposure vs burial of cliff base by talus). The regional approach enables multiple calibrations to be considered and to perform retreat rate analysis of numerous cliffs for which direct retreat rate indicators are lacking. Local application of the model revealed significant retreat rate variations along major cliffs in the Negev, Israel. https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0169555X16305815<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adssc.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/\u05d9\u05e6\u05d9\u05d1\u05d5\u05ea-\u05d5\u05e0\u05e1\u05d9\u05d2\u05ea-\u05de\u05e6\u05d5\u05e7\u05d9\u05dd-\u05dc\u05e4\u05e8\u05d5\u05e4\u05d9\u05dc-1024x530.jpg\")
Figure 4: Characteristics of the regional cliff retreat model and retreat rates evaluated along the cliffs near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n6. Dynamic Stress Interactions at Material Heterogeneities<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nDynamic rupture simulations incorporating material heterogeneities within the path of propagating stress waves are used to study the processes that enhance stresses to a point that could promote triggered seismicity. This has a direct effect on seismic hazard analysis in populated regions near fault systems where a small event triggered within a metropolitan area may cause more damage than a stronger distant event (e.g. the Christchurch earthquake of 2011). Preliminary results indicate that stress waves may be refracted and focused\/dispersed when travelling through a material heterogeneity and that material interfaces excited by dynamic stress waves enhance local stress (see Figure).<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.adssc.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/yaron-finzi-dead-sea-arava-science1.png\")
Figure 5: Stress waves interact with a material heterogeneity (dashed rectangle) to form enhanced stress comparable to that near the tip of the source-fault (red lobes indicate highly stressed regions). Red star indicates the rupture nucleation site on the source fault.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\nSelected Publications:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Geology –\u00a0Earth Sciences<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n yaron.finzi@adssc.org<\/a>
\n\u00a0Google Scholar<\/a>
\n\u00a0Research Gate<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Geology has a vast impact on society! \u00a0My research addresses both geologic risks and benefits to mankind.<\/p>\n
In the field of seismic hazard, I focus on analysis of Precariously Balanced Rocks (PBR) and the information they yield regarding regional fault activity and the magnitude of past earthquakes. I also modeled dynamic rupture propagation and stress transfer along complex fault systems. My seismic risk studies range from community preparedness and resilience to evaluation of local damage and cost of scenario events. High-resolution mapping of risk and preparedness were used to inform local authorities and improve emergency plans.<\/p>\n
In the field of geomorphology and geologic risks, I have formed a GIS based regional model of cliff retreat in the Negev, Israel. The model accounts for various structural properties and runoff-basin analysis, and it may serve as a basic input for cliff stability evaluations.<\/p>\n
In the emerging fields of geodiversity, geosystem-services, geoheritage and geo-ethics, I have examined the various interactions between local communities, national authorities and the unique and extraordinary landscape of the Negev Craterland, Israel. My research has motivated me to develop and oversee many outreach programs and collaborations with local stakeholders, and to lead a community effort to establish the Craterland Geopark in the Negev desert.<\/p>\n
Current research:<\/h3>\n\n\n1. Stability analysis of fragile rock pillars and insights on fault activity <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nRock pillars and precariously balanced rocks in the Negev, Israel, are used to re-evaluate the maximum seismic ground shaking that could have occurred during their life-span. We documented dozens of fragile geologic features which formed thousands of years ago and have withstood many regional earthquakes. Extensive fieldwork and analysis provided new constraints on the long-term seismic activity of several faults in the Negev and along the southern Dead Sea Transform. Slender rock pillars were shown to have natural frequencies within the range of seismic waves, making them very sensitive to resonance motion induced by large distant earthquakes. Expanding our study area can help resolve fundamental knowledge gaps regarding the magnitude of ancient earthquakes, and can improve regional and site-specific seismic hazard analyses in Israel and Jordan.<\/span><\/p>\nLatest publication: Finzi et al., 2020; <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2019JB019269<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/p>\nFigure 1: Fragile Geologic Features of the Negev.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n2. Mapping local seismic risk and preparedness to improve community resilience and emergency planning <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nIn my work to improve resilience and local emergency plans in remote communities, my colleagues and I developed an online risk and preparedness assessment tool that promotes public engagement and enables mapping of resilience at the neighborhood scale. Accounting for spatial and temporal stressors, the analysis tool helps emergency authorities to identify potential challenges in emergency response and recovery. <\/span><\/p>\nFigure 2: Map of expected intensity (MMI) and preparedness (PRE) in the various neighborhoods of Mitzpe Ramon, Israel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n3. Geodiversity, geosystem services and geo-ethical issues in the Negev Craterland Geopark<\/strong><\/p>\nThe geologic heritage and geosites of the erosional craters of the Craterland were described and explained. A scenic evaluation procedure was developed assess the cultural services of geology-dominant regions and was used to compare craters from all over the world. Ongoing research is focused on geopark development strategies, geosystem-services in the Negev Craterland which is a desert dominated by geological phenomena and the Ethical dilemmas of nature conservation. Within the context of geopark establishment in a remote desert community, I am examining the perceived value of cultural services and knowledge services and the balance between the needs of local communities and national nature conservation policies. As head of both the local research institute and the geopark initiative, I develop and oversee many outreach programs of outdoor education, community engagement, recreation and tourism.<\/p>\n
Main publication: https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12371-018-0335-7<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nFigure 3: 3D diagram of the main geo-ecosystem services provided to Mitzpe Ramon, Israel and to visitors of Makhtesh Ramon erosional crater.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n4. Assessment of economic loss due to plausible tsunami scenarios in Eilat and Aqaba <\/strong><\/p>\nUsing detailed mapping of inundation associated with tsunami scenarios, and accounting for development and land use along the coast of the Aqaba Gulf, we estimate immediate damage and long-term economic loss to select sites in Israel and Jordan.<\/p>\n
5. Cliff retreat rates and stability analysis –\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nA regional cliff retreat model is being developed and being improved to include structural, geomorphic and basin properties to account for the effect of runoff over mesa-like cliffs. The original model we built utilizes DEM and spatial geologic data to calculate retreat rate based on the width and inclination of the cliff forming layer and the scarp-talus geometrical relations (i.e. exposure vs burial of cliff base by talus). The regional approach enables multiple calibrations to be considered and to perform retreat rate analysis of numerous cliffs for which direct retreat rate indicators are lacking. Local application of the model revealed significant retreat rate variations along major cliffs in the Negev, Israel. https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0169555X16305815<\/a><\/p>\nFigure 4: Characteristics of the regional cliff retreat model and retreat rates evaluated along the cliffs near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n6. Dynamic Stress Interactions at Material Heterogeneities<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nDynamic rupture simulations incorporating material heterogeneities within the path of propagating stress waves are used to study the processes that enhance stresses to a point that could promote triggered seismicity. This has a direct effect on seismic hazard analysis in populated regions near fault systems where a small event triggered within a metropolitan area may cause more damage than a stronger distant event (e.g. the Christchurch earthquake of 2011). Preliminary results indicate that stress waves may be refracted and focused\/dispersed when travelling through a material heterogeneity and that material interfaces excited by dynamic stress waves enhance local stress (see Figure).<\/span><\/p>\nFigure 5: Stress waves interact with a material heterogeneity (dashed rectangle) to form enhanced stress comparable to that near the tip of the source-fault (red lobes indicate highly stressed regions). Red star indicates the rupture nucleation site on the source fault.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\nSelected Publications:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
yaron.finzi@adssc.org<\/a>\n
\u00a0Google Scholar<\/a>\n
\u00a0Research Gate<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Geology has a vast impact on society! \u00a0My research addresses both geologic risks and benefits to mankind.<\/p>\n
In the field of seismic hazard, I focus on analysis of Precariously Balanced Rocks (PBR) and the information they yield regarding regional fault activity and the magnitude of past earthquakes. I also modeled dynamic rupture propagation and stress transfer along complex fault systems. My seismic risk studies range from community preparedness and resilience to evaluation of local damage and cost of scenario events. High-resolution mapping of risk and preparedness were used to inform local authorities and improve emergency plans.<\/p>\n
In the field of geomorphology and geologic risks, I have formed a GIS based regional model of cliff retreat in the Negev, Israel. The model accounts for various structural properties and runoff-basin analysis, and it may serve as a basic input for cliff stability evaluations.<\/p>\n
In the emerging fields of geodiversity, geosystem-services, geoheritage and geo-ethics, I have examined the various interactions between local communities, national authorities and the unique and extraordinary landscape of the Negev Craterland, Israel. My research has motivated me to develop and oversee many outreach programs and collaborations with local stakeholders, and to lead a community effort to establish the Craterland Geopark in the Negev desert.<\/p>\n
Current research:<\/h3>\n\n\n1. Stability analysis of fragile rock pillars and insights on fault activity <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nRock pillars and precariously balanced rocks in the Negev, Israel, are used to re-evaluate the maximum seismic ground shaking that could have occurred during their life-span. We documented dozens of fragile geologic features which formed thousands of years ago and have withstood many regional earthquakes. Extensive fieldwork and analysis provided new constraints on the long-term seismic activity of several faults in the Negev and along the southern Dead Sea Transform. Slender rock pillars were shown to have natural frequencies within the range of seismic waves, making them very sensitive to resonance motion induced by large distant earthquakes. Expanding our study area can help resolve fundamental knowledge gaps regarding the magnitude of ancient earthquakes, and can improve regional and site-specific seismic hazard analyses in Israel and Jordan.<\/span><\/p>\nLatest publication: Finzi et al., 2020; <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2019JB019269<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/p>\nFigure 1: Fragile Geologic Features of the Negev.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n2. Mapping local seismic risk and preparedness to improve community resilience and emergency planning <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nIn my work to improve resilience and local emergency plans in remote communities, my colleagues and I developed an online risk and preparedness assessment tool that promotes public engagement and enables mapping of resilience at the neighborhood scale. Accounting for spatial and temporal stressors, the analysis tool helps emergency authorities to identify potential challenges in emergency response and recovery. <\/span><\/p>\nFigure 2: Map of expected intensity (MMI) and preparedness (PRE) in the various neighborhoods of Mitzpe Ramon, Israel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n3. Geodiversity, geosystem services and geo-ethical issues in the Negev Craterland Geopark<\/strong><\/p>\nThe geologic heritage and geosites of the erosional craters of the Craterland were described and explained. A scenic evaluation procedure was developed assess the cultural services of geology-dominant regions and was used to compare craters from all over the world. Ongoing research is focused on geopark development strategies, geosystem-services in the Negev Craterland which is a desert dominated by geological phenomena and the Ethical dilemmas of nature conservation. Within the context of geopark establishment in a remote desert community, I am examining the perceived value of cultural services and knowledge services and the balance between the needs of local communities and national nature conservation policies. As head of both the local research institute and the geopark initiative, I develop and oversee many outreach programs of outdoor education, community engagement, recreation and tourism.<\/p>\n
Main publication: https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12371-018-0335-7<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nFigure 3: 3D diagram of the main geo-ecosystem services provided to Mitzpe Ramon, Israel and to visitors of Makhtesh Ramon erosional crater.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n4. Assessment of economic loss due to plausible tsunami scenarios in Eilat and Aqaba <\/strong><\/p>\nUsing detailed mapping of inundation associated with tsunami scenarios, and accounting for development and land use along the coast of the Aqaba Gulf, we estimate immediate damage and long-term economic loss to select sites in Israel and Jordan.<\/p>\n
5. Cliff retreat rates and stability analysis –\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\nA regional cliff retreat model is being developed and being improved to include structural, geomorphic and basin properties to account for the effect of runoff over mesa-like cliffs. The original model we built utilizes DEM and spatial geologic data to calculate retreat rate based on the width and inclination of the cliff forming layer and the scarp-talus geometrical relations (i.e. exposure vs burial of cliff base by talus). The regional approach enables multiple calibrations to be considered and to perform retreat rate analysis of numerous cliffs for which direct retreat rate indicators are lacking. Local application of the model revealed significant retreat rate variations along major cliffs in the Negev, Israel. https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0169555X16305815<\/a><\/p>\nFigure 4: Characteristics of the regional cliff retreat model and retreat rates evaluated along the cliffs near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n6. Dynamic Stress Interactions at Material Heterogeneities<\/span><\/b><\/p>\nDynamic rupture simulations incorporating material heterogeneities within the path of propagating stress waves are used to study the processes that enhance stresses to a point that could promote triggered seismicity. This has a direct effect on seismic hazard analysis in populated regions near fault systems where a small event triggered within a metropolitan area may cause more damage than a stronger distant event (e.g. the Christchurch earthquake of 2011). Preliminary results indicate that stress waves may be refracted and focused\/dispersed when travelling through a material heterogeneity and that material interfaces excited by dynamic stress waves enhance local stress (see Figure).<\/span><\/p>\nFigure 5: Stress waves interact with a material heterogeneity (dashed rectangle) to form enhanced stress comparable to that near the tip of the source-fault (red lobes indicate highly stressed regions). Red star indicates the rupture nucleation site on the source fault.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\nSelected Publications:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
1. Stability analysis of fragile rock pillars and insights on fault activity <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Rock pillars and precariously balanced rocks in the Negev, Israel, are used to re-evaluate the maximum seismic ground shaking that could have occurred during their life-span. We documented dozens of fragile geologic features which formed thousands of years ago and have withstood many regional earthquakes. Extensive fieldwork and analysis provided new constraints on the long-term seismic activity of several faults in the Negev and along the southern Dead Sea Transform. Slender rock pillars were shown to have natural frequencies within the range of seismic waves, making them very sensitive to resonance motion induced by large distant earthquakes. Expanding our study area can help resolve fundamental knowledge gaps regarding the magnitude of ancient earthquakes, and can improve regional and site-specific seismic hazard analyses in Israel and Jordan.<\/span><\/p>\n Latest publication: Finzi et al., 2020; <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1029\/2019JB019269<\/span><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n 2. Mapping local seismic risk and preparedness to improve community resilience and emergency planning <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n In my work to improve resilience and local emergency plans in remote communities, my colleagues and I developed an online risk and preparedness assessment tool that promotes public engagement and enables mapping of resilience at the neighborhood scale. Accounting for spatial and temporal stressors, the analysis tool helps emergency authorities to identify potential challenges in emergency response and recovery. <\/span><\/p>\n 3. Geodiversity, geosystem services and geo-ethical issues in the Negev Craterland Geopark<\/strong><\/p>\n The geologic heritage and geosites of the erosional craters of the Craterland were described and explained. A scenic evaluation procedure was developed assess the cultural services of geology-dominant regions and was used to compare craters from all over the world. Ongoing research is focused on geopark development strategies, geosystem-services in the Negev Craterland which is a desert dominated by geological phenomena and the Ethical dilemmas of nature conservation. Within the context of geopark establishment in a remote desert community, I am examining the perceived value of cultural services and knowledge services and the balance between the needs of local communities and national nature conservation policies. As head of both the local research institute and the geopark initiative, I develop and oversee many outreach programs of outdoor education, community engagement, recreation and tourism.<\/p>\n Main publication: https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12371-018-0335-7<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 4. Assessment of economic loss due to plausible tsunami scenarios in Eilat and Aqaba <\/strong><\/p>\n Using detailed mapping of inundation associated with tsunami scenarios, and accounting for development and land use along the coast of the Aqaba Gulf, we estimate immediate damage and long-term economic loss to select sites in Israel and Jordan.<\/p>\n 5. Cliff retreat rates and stability analysis –\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n A regional cliff retreat model is being developed and being improved to include structural, geomorphic and basin properties to account for the effect of runoff over mesa-like cliffs. The original model we built utilizes DEM and spatial geologic data to calculate retreat rate based on the width and inclination of the cliff forming layer and the scarp-talus geometrical relations (i.e. exposure vs burial of cliff base by talus). The regional approach enables multiple calibrations to be considered and to perform retreat rate analysis of numerous cliffs for which direct retreat rate indicators are lacking. Local application of the model revealed significant retreat rate variations along major cliffs in the Negev, Israel. https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0169555X16305815<\/a><\/p>\n 6. Dynamic Stress Interactions at Material Heterogeneities<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Dynamic rupture simulations incorporating material heterogeneities within the path of propagating stress waves are used to study the processes that enhance stresses to a point that could promote triggered seismicity. This has a direct effect on seismic hazard analysis in populated regions near fault systems where a small event triggered within a metropolitan area may cause more damage than a stronger distant event (e.g. the Christchurch earthquake of 2011). Preliminary results indicate that stress waves may be refracted and focused\/dispersed when travelling through a material heterogeneity and that material interfaces excited by dynamic stress waves enhance local stress (see Figure).<\/span><\/p>\n
\nSelected Publications:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n